Chiwetel Ejiofor ‘being eyed to play the villain in the next James Bond movie’

Chiwetel Ejiofor is wanted to play the next James Bond villain (Picture: Getty Images)

Oscar-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor is reportedly being headhunted to star opposite Daniel Craig in the next James Bond film.

Given Javier Bardem’s brilliant turn as the baddie in Skyfall, Sony is likely looking to continue the success of having a strong actor take on 007.

Variety reports that sources say Ejiofor is the top choice to play the villain in the next movie, although no offer has been made yet.

The site adds that ‘scheduling would still have to be worked out, but sources insist he is the front-runner for the job.’

This is very good news, if true. Ejiofor would be a welcome addition to the latest Bond flick, and could be a fantastic, strong antagonist for Craig’s subtle portrayal of 007.

Daniel Craig is set to return as Bond (Picture: Getty Images)

Should the 12 Years A Slave star officially board the next film, he will join an already stellar cast including Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw. Skyfall’s Sam Mendes is returning to direct.

Production is tipped to start in the summer in order to meet the film’s slated November 6, 2015 release date, Variety say.